The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in London
I have often talked about my love / hate relationship with gluten. I was diagnosed as gluten intolerant back in 2006 and I haven’t eaten gluten since. There was a small stint a few years ago when I was introduced to a gluten digestive enzyme which are meant to make one less intolerant by making gluten more easily digestible. I tried it a few times (my first stop was Greg’s) but later on found that it just wasn’t working for me. I quickly stopped taking the digestive enzyme and reverted back to my trusty GF diet.
I don’t eat out a lot. As you probably know, I absolutely adore cooking and hosting. However, every now and again – as with most people I’m sure – I just CBA with cooking. Luckily for me, London has a literal smorgasbord of gluten-free friendly restaurants.
Here are some of my favourites:
Indian
Various locations: Shoreditch, Kings Cross, Covent Garden, Kensington, Carnaby, Canary Wharf, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham
Oh Dishoom, how you have stolen my heart. I feel this place almost needs no introduction, having fed Londoners (and Mancunians and Brummies and Edinburghers) for the past decade. This Bombay-inspired restaurant group has been serving the best Indian street food in beautiful settings since 2010 and they recently announced they are opening their 9th location this month. My favourite is still the OG Covent Garden branch and there are plenty on amazing, gluten-free dishes on the menu. The staff are fab too and super knowledgeable.
I’m ordering: Spicy lamb chops, Raita and the Grilled Cod.
Peruvian
Spitalfields
I love this informal, cool restaurant on Commercial street. I’ve always been a huge fan of Peruvian food because most of it is naturally ceviche-heavy and gluten-free. Andina never disappoints – their entire menu is sans gluten so I can order to my heart’s content. There is also a sexy basement taqueria, Bar Mistura, that serves the best Pisco Sours in town
I’m ordering: Pork belly bites
Peruvian / Japanese
Clapham
Another Peruvian hotspot, this time fused with Japanese flavours. And also another restaurant with an entirely gluten-free menu. They put their money where their mouth is because Mommi’s dishes have been officially accredited by Coeliac UK. Their starter plates are perfect for sharing and their cocktail list is pretty impressive. They also offer a pretty good bottomless brunch, complete with bubbles, Nikkei dishes and plenty of party power ballads.
I’m ordering: Their signature house ceviche
Mexican
https://www.tacoselpastor.co.uk/
Various locations: Soho, Kings Cross and London Bridge
I adore this place! Their London Bridge location is the perfect spot to refuel after spending the day in Borough Market. This lively restaurant is inspired by the informal taquerias of Mexico City and with each margarita served, it gets more vibey. The food is so good! They serve corn tortillas and tacos which are naturally gluten-free, which makes me a very happy gal indeed.
I’m ordering: Mushroom and cheese tacos… and a couple of frozen margaritas obviously!
Italian / Pasta
Covent Garden and Soho
I know what you’re thinking: “Lis, what are you doing going to a pasta joint, it’s basically the natural habitat of gluten.” But guess what, they let you swap out the regular pasta for a GF version. Easy peasy. Bancone actually means bar or counter and this place has not one but three. I love grabbing a seat at one of them and feeling like I’m somewhere swanky in Europe. That’s not to say this place is stuffy, oh no. They serve the ultimate Italian comfort food, the way Nonna used to make.
I’m ordering: GF pasta with silk handkerchiefs, walnut butter and confit egg yolk
Italian / Pizza
https://www.theospizzeria.com/
Camberwell and Elephant & Castle
The gods of coincidence must have been staring down on me hard when I discovered this little gem. Two of the things I love most, all wrapped up in the form of a cozy pizza restaurant. Yes, it’s in Camberwell and a bit of a trek for me, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. The pizzas are divine, especially the Bufalina covered in Theo’s signature chilli sauce, gorgeously and imperfectly presented on a gluten-free base. Also, the value for money is *chef’s kiss*. And anything with the same name as the man I love has to be a winner ;)
I’m ordering: The wood oven aubergine
Steak
Various locations: Westfield, Covent Garden, Borough, Kings Cross, London Bridge, Marylebone, Shoreditch, Soho, Waterloo, Spitalfields and Tottenham Court Road
This is not a drill. I repeat. £13 for a steak. In London. What is this trickery, I hear you ask? Nope. No catch. Flat Iron is easily one of the best value-to-quality-to-enjoyment ratio eateries in the capital. The steak is good – very good. So are the sides, the handmade beef dripping chips in particular. Flat Iron’s popularity has soared over the last few years – they have just opened their 11th branch last month – and it’s little wonder. In a city where it sometimes feels like breathing costs money, this is a godsend.
I’m ordering: The flat iron steak of course, perfectly medium-rare
And on that note, I’m off to make a booking at El Pastor with my girls. There’s a margarita with my name on.
Let me know you’re favourite GF restaurants below (anywhere in the World), any excuse to go out and eat a great meal hey!